Tanzania has confirmed the presence of the deadly Marburg virus following a positive test from a human sample.
The announcement, made by President Samia Suluhu Hassan alongside World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, follows the deaths of eight people in the northwestern Kagera region, which were initially suspected to be linked to the virus.
At a press conference in Dodoma, President Hassan stated:
“Laboratory tests conducted at Kabaile Mobile Laboratory in Kagera and later confirmed in Dar es Salaam identified one patient as being infected by Marburg virus. Fortunately, the remaining suspected patients tested negative.”
The WHO has pledged its support in managing the outbreak, with Director-General Tedros emphasizing the organization’s commitment to aiding Tanzania in monitoring, testing, and treating the disease, as well as raising awareness among at-risk communities.
Marburg virus is a highly virulent pathogen closely related to Ebola. It causes severe illness characterized by fever, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, significant blood loss. The disease’s fatality rate varies between 24% and 88%, depending on the outbreak and available medical care, with an average mortality rate of around 50%.
The virus primarily spreads from fruit bats to humans, often through contact in bat-inhabited caves. Secondary transmission occurs through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals, contaminated surfaces, or medical equipment. Healthcare workers are particularly vulnerable, especially if they encounter contaminated materials or suffer needle-stick injuries.
Tanzania has scaled up its response by deploying national teams, establishing treatment centers, and setting up mobile laboratories to enhance case detection. This marks the country’s second Marburg outbreak in two years, with the first occurring in March 2023. Lessons learned from the previous outbreak, which saw nine cases and six deaths, are expected to bolster containment efforts.
The Kagera region, where cases have been detected, is a transportation hub with proximity to Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, raising concerns about potential cross-border spread. However, the global risk remains low, as Marburg virus transmission requires direct contact with infected bodily fluids.
To support Tanzania’s efforts, the WHO has allocated $3 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies, in addition to an earlier contribution of $50,000 for initial investigations. WHO also advises against travel and trade restrictions, emphasizing the country’s preparedness and ongoing containment efforts.
Although there are no approved vaccines or treatments for Marburg virus, outbreaks can be contained through established public health measures. Tanzania’s investments in emergency preparedness, including the enactment of the Universal Health Insurance Act in 2023 and its Community Health Workers Program, are expected to aid in controlling the current situation.
As President Hassan affirmed Tanzania’s openness for business, WHO reiterated its commitment to working with the government and international partners to bring the outbreak under control and safeguard public health.
With input from Forbes and World Health Organization.
